Following reports that the Pentagon building received a shipment of live anthrax, the Defense Department is joining with the Centers for Disease Control to conduct a review of all procedures relating to its transfer. The shipment posed no threat to the public, the Pentagon stated May 29. Further investigation revealed that 24 laboratories in 11 states and two foreign countries also may have received samples. The review will focus upon:
* The reason why anthrax that had not been completely inactivated was shipped.
* Protocols for handling biohazards.
* Adherence to those protocols.
* Identification and resolution of problems within the system that could result in such transfers of potentially harmful biohazards.
